The iPhone 5 adapter is expensive and terrible

Dan Seitz Contributing Writer, Tech

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A few years ago, the various makers of mobile phones got together and came to an agreement. Instead of annoying proprietary connectors that drove everyone crazy, they would all just use the micro or mini version of USB and call it a day.

Photo Credit: Apple

The sole hold-out, and thus the sole dinosaur, was Apple. And with the iPhone 5 and its fancy new nine-pin connector, they’ve actually managed to make the problem worse.

First of all, the cost: Apple wants $30 for what amounts to a couple of wires embedded into a chunk of white plastic. While cheaper versions will hit the market shortly, and the iPhone 5 comes with a free adapter in the box, it’s still incredibly annoying.

Secondly, it won’t support two features. The less annoying loss is iPod out, which is essentially a data interface for luxury cars that let your radio control your iPod. The more annoying one is video out.

So, all those movies and TV shows you bought off of iTunes? You’ll have to buy entirely new connectors if you want to watch them. But feel free to waste $30 on this chunk of crap.

Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter [Apple]